(Blessed Contardo Ferrini - our section's name back then.)
And no, we’re not part of an illegal syndicate or something.
Hello hivers! I am very much excited to share this event with you!
On Father’s Day, I coincidentally met an old student of mine back in school year 2019-2020. Of course, it had been quite some time since we saw each other so we immediately got engaged in a long conversation. Later that night, a new group chat popped up in my messenger account and my former students were already discussing the reunion!
We decided to have it last Saturday, July 22, 2023, at San Remigio Cultural Center and Leisure, located at San Remigio, Cebu, Philippines! The spontaneous plan really warmed my heart. I told them I was applying for a job abroad and it might take some time before I have some free time, and I was very happy that they wanted to see me (and each other) before I leave.
The day already started with excitement! We met up at the local church and we all walked together towards the resort. I felt happy and proud of my former students, they were all so grown up with college plans (or working careers) and some of them who were shorter than me once upon a time, were suddenly giants! As we walked, we reminisced some of the time when they were still my students. Like during the Lay Mission Partner’s Day 2020 (the school’s version of Teacher’s Day) where they presented EXO songs because they knew I was a fan of the K-pop boyband. Or when we played ‘Doctor Wakwak Tabangi Mi!’ (translation is ‘Doctor Wakwak Help Us!’ and it’s a very complicated game with lots of bending and twisting of limbs) during our Christmas Party and they all ended crashing against each other because they couldn’t balance themselves.
Those were fine days…
Once we reached the resort, everyone immediately went to the task of preparing the food (thank the Almighty some were pre-cooked). They all worked together in lighting the fire on the grill so we could cook (is it grilling or smoking?) the pork meat and shrimp one of them prepared. It was a bit hard to start the fire that day too since the winds were strong, stronger than usual. It was fun to see the boys being wind barriers and working together for it.
(The winds were quite strong, they had a hard time lighting up the fire.)
Meanwhile, the girls (unfortunately only a few were able to attend) did our best in preparing the pre-cooked food as well as run to the nearest convenience store for the drinks. We also had a few laughs while doing so since the cake commissioned by one of them was written ‘Happy Birthday Guys!’, instead of ‘Happy Reunion Guys!’. It’s fun to think about it honestly, despite being initially annoyed by the mistake.
(Picture taking if there's time. And dang! I look so pale!)
And behold! We finally had our late lunch!
(Let's eat!)
I admit a few of the grilled foods were half-cooked, but it was the thought that counted. I had more fun being with them than worrying about that. That day, we talked and shared our experiences ever since we last saw each other. We were a bit startled when a fire broke out a few cottages from us though, we thankfully were able to help since one of my former students was currently a volunteer at the Bureau of Fire Protection so he knew what to do.
Another memorable event that day was when another one of my students requested a picture with the foreign visitors who were there for lunch (as part of their tour package apparently). We admired his guts in asking the towering beautiful foreign nationals.
Once we were done eating and cleaning up a good chunk of our trash, we finally went swimming (my favorite part)! I unfortunately did not have pictures during that time since I was more focused on swimming. My students probably had some, but I did not ask for a copy since they planned on uploading it on social media.
First, I can’t really swim. I mean, I can float and go under or something, but I don’t trust myself swimming at deep waters for long periods of time. Therefore, me and a few of my students stayed near the beach at chest level water. We did competitions of who could hold their breaths the longest, who could swim the farthest, etc. (there were a few throwing of itchy seaweeds but everything else was fine and safe). Meanwhile those who did not go swimming were left at our cottage to look after our bags and drink (they’re of legal age to drink, don’t worry).
Unfortunately, things are always bound to end. Once four in the afternoon came near, I decided to finish up and change my clothes. I still had a birthday party to attend at night at the very same day. It was a bit unfortunate that we had to finish, an overnight stay would’ve been nice, but we do have places to be and responsibilities to do (according to one of them since their mother was already looking for them).
We promised to hold another reunion activity, once everyone had free schedules so that the ones who couldn’t come can join us.
I definitely look forward to it.
Note: All pictures are mine. Taken by my phone, personally. Thank you!